Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota
Nestled at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, straddling the border between North Dakota and Montana, stands a monument to a bygone era: Fort Union Trading Post. This site, far from being a military outpost or government establishment, was a vital hub of commerce, a place where cultures met and exchanged goods, shaping the landscape and history of the Upper Missouri River region. Established in 1828 by John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company, Fort Union Trading Post played a pivotal role in the fur trade for nearly four decades.
A Commercial Enterprise
The story of Fort Union Trading Post begins with the ambition of John Jacob Astor and his American Fur Company. Recognizing the immense potential of the fur trade in the vast, unexplored territories of the American West, Astor sought to establish a network of trading posts that would dominate the industry. Fort Union Trading Post, initially known as Fort Henry, was strategically positioned to capitalize on the abundance of fur-bearing animals and the established trade routes of the northern plains tribes.
Unlike military forts designed for defense and territorial control, Fort Union Trading Post was conceived as a business venture. Its primary objective was to facilitate the exchange of goods between the American Fur Company and the various Native American tribes inhabiting the region. This commercial focus shaped the fort’s design, operation, and its relationship with the surrounding communities.
The Epicenter of Trade
For almost forty years, Fort Union Trading Post served as the headquarters of the Upper Missouri Outfit of the American Fur Company. From its strategic location, it controlled the lucrative bison robe and fur trade across a vast territory encompassing present-day North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. This dominance made it the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri River.
The fort’s bustling trade grounds were a melting pot of cultures. Here, Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet, Hidatsa, Mandan, and other tribes converged to exchange their valuable buffalo robes and other furs for a variety of trade goods. These goods, carefully selected to appeal to the needs and desires of the Native American traders, included items such as colorful beads, firearms, warm blankets, sharp knives, durable cookware, and versatile cloth. The exchange was not merely economic; it was a complex interplay of cultural exchange, negotiation, and diplomacy.
A Thriving Community
During its peak years, Fort Union Trading Post was a thriving community, employing as many as 200 people. A significant portion of the workforce consisted of Métis individuals, descendants of French fur traders and Native American women. These Métis employees played a crucial role in the fort’s operations, serving as interpreters, skilled laborers, and intermediaries between the American Fur Company and the various Native American tribes.
The fort itself was a microcosm of frontier life, with a diverse population of traders, trappers, artisans, and laborers. Living conditions were often challenging, with harsh winters, limited supplies, and the constant threat of disease. Yet, the promise of economic opportunity and the allure of adventure drew people from diverse backgrounds to this remote outpost.
River Transportation
The rivers were the lifeblood of Fort Union Trading Post, serving as the primary arteries for transportation and communication. Fur traders relied heavily on keelboats, sturdy vessels designed for navigating the often treacherous currents of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. These keelboats were essential for transporting goods, supplies, and personnel to and from the fort.
In 1832, a new era of river transportation dawned with the arrival of the first steamboat, the Yellowstone. This technological marvel significantly reduced travel time and increased the capacity for transporting goods, further solidifying Fort Union’s position as a major trading hub.
In addition to keelboats and steamboats, the fort’s workers also utilized Mackinaw boats, flat-bottomed vessels that were easier to maneuver in shallow waters. The Native American tribes, adept at utilizing local resources, constructed bull boats from green buffalo hides stretched over willow frames. These lightweight and versatile boats were ideal for navigating the rivers and transporting goods within their own territories.
Demise and Rediscovery
The era of Fort Union Trading Post came to an end in 1867 when the American Fur Company sold the fort to the U.S. Army. The post was subsequently razed, and its building materials were used to construct Fort Buford, located approximately two miles away. The site of what had been the longest-running American Fur Company trading post was abandoned and largely forgotten for nearly a century.
However, the historical significance of Fort Union Trading Post was not destined to remain buried in the past. In 1966, spurred by growing local interest and a desire to preserve this important piece of American history, Congress established the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site as part of the National Park System.
Reconstruction and Preservation
The establishment of the National Historic Site marked a new chapter in the history of Fort Union Trading Post. Three archaeological projects were undertaken to uncover the fort’s original foundations and gather information about its layout and construction. Based on these findings, a partial reconstruction of the trading post was carried out between 1986 and 1989, recreating the structures as they appeared during the period of 1850-1851.
Today, the reconstructed Fort Union Trading Post stands as a testament to a unique era in American history, a brief period when two civilizations found common ground and mutual benefit through commercial exchange and cultural acceptance. Visitors to the site can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a bustling 19th-century fur trading post.
A Journey Back in Time
A visit to Fort Union Trading Post offers a captivating journey back to the mid-19th century, the heyday of the fur trade on the Upper Missouri River. The reconstructed buildings, including the bourgeois house, trade room, and blacksmith shop, provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked at the fort.
Living history demonstrations and interpretive programs bring the past to life, allowing visitors to witness the skills and activities that were essential to the fort’s operation. From the bartering of goods to the crafting of tools, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between the American Fur Company and the Native American tribes.
Fort Union Trading Post is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a living museum that preserves and interprets a crucial chapter in American history. It is a place where visitors can connect with the past, learn about the diverse cultures that shaped the region, and reflect on the enduring legacy of the fur trade.
Location:
Fort Union is conveniently located just off ND Highway 1804, making it easily accessible to visitors. It is situated 25 miles southwest of Williston, North Dakota, and 24 miles northeast of Sidney, Montana.
Contact Information:
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
15550 Hwy 1804
Williston, North Dakota 58801
701-572-9083
http://www.nps.gov/fous/index.htm